Summary: Apple introduces advanced hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2, offering users a clinically validated hearing test, an OTC hearing aid function, and enhanced hearing protection.

Takeaways:

  1. Clinically Validated Hearing Test: AirPods Pro 2 will feature an intuitive, self-administered hearing test based on pure-tone audiometry, with results securely stored in the Health app.
  2. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid: The new software-based hearing aid function supports users with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing real-time sound adjustments based on personalized hearing profiles.
  3. Hearing Protection: AirPods Pro 2 will include advanced hearing protection features, reducing exposure to loud environmental noise while maintaining sound quality in settings like concerts.

Apple unveiled new hearing health features coming to the AirPods Pro 2: a clinically validated hearing test feature, and an over-the-counter hearing aid feature. 

The new all-in-one hearing health experience using the AirPods Pro with active Hearing Protection,(1) is a software-based hearing aid feature designed to help make access to hearing assistance easier than ever at an approachable price point, according to Apple. The hearing test and hearing aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, and will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan.(2)

Noise Reduction

New hearing protection features coming to AirPods Pro are designed to help users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to.

The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second. On by default across all listening modes, Hearing Protection is helpful in a variety of loud settings. Plus, with an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain natural and vibrant.

Apple’s Hearing Test Feature

To give users even more insights into hearing health, Apple is introducing an intuitive, clinical-grade hearing test based on the standard clinical approach called pure-tone audiometry that users can take themselves with their AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad, Apple says.

Users can take the convenient test in about five minutes anywhere they want. The Hearing Test feature leverages advanced acoustic science and provides users with an interactive experience. When a user completes the test, they will see an easy-to-understand summary of their results, including a number representing hearing loss in each ear, a classification, and recommendations. The results, which include an audiogram, are stored privately and securely in the Health app, and can be shared with a healthcare provider to have more informed conversations.

The Hearing Test was validated against the clinical gold standard of pure-tone audiometry.

OTC Hearing Aid Capability

AirPods Pro also adds an innovative over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. 

Using the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this new feature seamlessly transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them boosted in real time. 

This helps them better engage in conversation, and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them. With the incredible audio quality of AirPods Pro, the user’s personalized hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across their devices, without needing to adjust any settings. Users can also set up the Hearing Aid feature with an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.

The Hearing Aid feature was clinically validated in a controlled, randomized study that evaluated the perceived benefit of the feature and its custom settings compared to an audiologist-assisted setup.

After taking the Hearing Test, the user’s hearing profile can also help to personalize the AirPods Pro listening experience for even more people, including those with little to no hearing loss who can still benefit from specific adjustments at individual frequencies. To help provide the best listening experience, Media Assist is an all-new feature that helps boost certain parts of speech on a phone call or instruments within a soundtrack to help an even broader population.

These features build on the hearing health tools Apple currently offers its users. For example, with the Noise app, Apple Watch users can enable notifications for when environmental noise levels might affect their hearing health. On iPhone, users can set a headphone volume limit where they can turn on Reduce Loud Audio and drag a slider to a preferred decibel level. 

Apple also offers additional accessibility features for users to customize settings to meet their hearing needs.

Further reading: Evaluating Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Protection and Listening

References: 

  1. The Hearing Protection feature works with AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest operating system. The feature will be available in the U.S. and Canada. See support.apple.com/120850 for total attenuation and more information.
  2. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to be available fall 2024. The Hearing Aid feature is pending marketing authorization from the FDA and other global health authorities. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features will be supported on AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 and later, and is intended for people 18 years or older. The Hearing Aid feature is intended for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.